Meet the Breed: Siberian Husky

Overview:

Physical Characteristics:

The Husky comes in a variety of colors, often mixing white with either black, copper-red, and gray. They also come in pure white. The most defining feature of the Siberian Husky is their eyes. The eyes of a Siberian Husky can be ice-blue, dark blue, amber or brown. Heterochromia (where one eye is brown and the other is blue) can happen with any dog, but is most common among the Siberian Husky.

History of Breed:

One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, Siberian Husky originated in the Siberian Arctic. They are extremely active, energetic and resilient dogs. They were originally bred to pull heavy loads long distances and through difficult conditions. Huskies are the premier working dogs, able to withstand long work days on very little amounts of food and can even carry two people on a sled and travel 40 miles per day. Over the years, Esky, the nickname once applied to the Eskimos was eventually applied to their dogs, transformed into the name Husky that we use today. Sled dog racing still use Siberian Huskies today. Many of these races are are restricted to purebreds, and the Siberian Huskies are the top of the line when it comes to sled racing.

Temperament:

Best suited for: Families with or without other pets.

Preferred living conditions: Outdoor living and lots of exercise

Care and Health:

Grooming requirements:Huskies need to be brushed once a day and bathed once a week. They have thick fur and it needs to be maintained.

Exercise needs: This breed needs regular extensive exercise, walking, long runs, hikes, or other strenuous activities, and plenty of play time. Fetch toys are ideal for this dog. Throw them as far as you can and make them run!

Life expectancy: 12-15 Years

Health concerns: Health issues are mainly genetic; seizures and defects of the eye, for example.

I have never owned a Husky myself, but I had a friend who did. She told me her dog once got loose and she wasn't able to catch it, but she followed it and was amazed to see her dog run their regular walking route, stopping at the corners for traffic, and then winding up back at home, all without a leash!

erin on August 21 at 1:58 PM said:

Would love for you

erin on August 21 at 2:01 PM said:

Sorry hit the send button to soon. I would love for you to talk about PUGS they are awsome dogs and great companions and super funny.

Linda Wenger on August 21 at 2:05 PM said:

Shelties, Airedales, and Scnoodles if you can do mixed breeds. :-)

Debbie on August 21 at 2:06 PM said:

Good Information on the Husky - love them. How about covering Akitas?

Becky on August 21 at 6:43 PM said:

And Shorkies please!

Phyllis on August 21 at 8:25 PM said:

I think that's a great idea!!!!! I'm sure each person has their favorite (mine are yorkies and maltese) but it's VERY interesting to read about all the other breeds as well. Looking forward to reading more!!!!

Sue Carmody on August 22 at 1:15 PM said:

What a great idea! Not only can one read about their favorite breed, but will learn about other breeds as well.
My favorites are the Coonhounds (a wonderful companion dog) and our misunderstood Pit Bulls, also a wonderful companion dog. Ofcourse my heart goes out to all breeds ~ a better friend you can't find!

Mary on August 22 at 3:13 PM said:

That is amazing! These are obviously sharp dogs. Probably strong willed as well, which would serve them well for their jobs and survival.

Mary on August 22 at 3:16 PM said:

Thanks for all the suggestions! I do like the idea of featuring some of the hybrids that have become so popular to get an idea of the range of possibilities for what the designer combinations can produce. That kind of information isn't as readily available as for the traditional breeds. Who knows? These hybrids could be the foundation for new breeds in the future.

Leila Jones on August 27 at 3:39 PM said:

I would love to know about pitbulls as well. My lab mix goes to the park and has met some very friendly pitbulls and he loves playing with the ones are less than one year old since they are usually his size and he can teach them the game of "chase me".
I also wanted to know more about dalmations.